it's the feeling that emerges
when i see a fat man in a diaper on television
a mockery of a sumo wrestler, of japanese tradition,
on an ad for that new sushi bar.
or maybe you'd prefer to discuss ebonics
in the public schools.
humans are so intelligent, you say.
oh yes.

takes a certain intellect to dismiss entire cultures
with the wave of a video camera,
does it not?
wave your camera at me.
i don't think it's a language but the least you could do
is shut up and pretend to be deceived.  right?
you; bovine and docile, i say.
but you would rather tell me how much i depress you
than actually listen to what i'd say.

it's the feeling of sick
rising in my throat when i see her picture.
and it's how i contradict myself
every time i'm speaking.
feathers ruffled, and i find now my belly rumbles;
softly inquiring as to the whereabouts of that sushi bar.
it's when i detect the unwelcome presence of children,
because i am jealous.  they haven't a neurosis such as mine yet.

i suppose it takes a certain level of intellect
to operate a mind game
and make other people feel like they should have stayed in womb.
so i must concede the victory.
humans are so intelligent, you say.
oh yes, i say.